Flechsig P, Mehndiratta A, Haberkorn U, Kratochwil C, Giesel FL. X, My mum is going through the same thing right now . Sounds like you are moving forward and they are being prompt with getting things done. The doctors monitored it and a recent ct scan showed it had grown so they sent her for a PET scan and may need a biopsy. Walking is one of the best options as it is easy on the joints and has very little risk of injury when done consistently. The person may feel suffocating and pass out in between breaths. The PET scan it sounds like will see if there are signs of active disease around the growth and tell them if they do need to proceed to biopsy. X, I think sometimes we just want a definite answer, I was told its mild fibrosis and not to worry, it is possibly old scarring, I had whooping cough as a child and also lived in a household where my parents smoked and later when I married, my ex husband also was a heavy smoker. It highlighted four other areas (or hotspots as they called them) other than my lung cancer. Negative chest X-rays in primary care patients with lung cancer. Hello worried daughter, I understand your concern. Percutaneous lung biopsy: technique, efficacy, and complications. You can also provide them withexercise equipmentat home to use. I hope this has eased your mind a little. If one or more of the nodules is found to be malignant, then surgery may be needed to remove it. I should've been more than this, I was gonna be something big, But I never did anything at all Dan Owen - Icarus, Hysterectomy support from the Macmillan Online Community forums, Healing the Heartache: Practical Tips for Coping with the Grief of Losing a Parent to Cancer, Once more into the fray. Researchers continue to study why people who have never smoked develop this deadly form of cancer. Your elderly loved one may experience some or all of the following: If your loved ones pulmonary edema is chronic, the symptoms and symptoms are less severe but will occur more often. Once again thanks for your reply it has been helpful and I hope you are all OK now too x. She had another X-ray a few weeks ago which showed the shadow had stayed the same as the first X-ray nearly two years ago. We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by helping restore good health, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients. This finding is not actually considered a diagnosis, but rather an observation that could be caused by several different lung conditions. That was quick with the results, thanks for your reply. Shadow on lung. Good for her taking control of her lifestyle, I go to chair yoga mainly for my severe spinal stenosis, but the breathing exercises are really helping with my breathing. Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked. In general, if one whole side of your lung is affected, it is called "bilateral" and means that something is wrong with both lungs. For example, a shadow on the lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or heart disease. But then I realised my groin and axillas were likely flashing up due to a long term medical condition I have completely unrelated to cancer. I do not know how long till surgery, but I doubt they will leave anything hanging about for too long. We were hoping for a few more months at least, but now it's clear she maybe has a few weeks. It doesn't seem to have progressed in that time. HopeForMyMom 2 years ago. Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. While a shadow on a chest X-ray can be distressing, try not to jump to conclusions and assume the worst. Never disregard the medical advice of your physician or health professional, or delay in seeking such advice, because of something you read on this Site. Into the last good fight I'll ever know. Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of death from cancer in both men and women. But a visible mass might not be present in all cases of lung cancer. My 62 year old mother recently had some pre-surgery tests done before an eye operation last Tuesday and was told that they found a small shadow on the lowest part of one of her lungs on her chest x-ray. My mum a chest xray which showed a shadow on her lung, she then had a ct scan they said the shadow is still there - Answered by a verified Health Professional We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Your email address will not be published. Research shows that everything from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to pneumonia is linked to smoking. This is a small, round growth on the lungs that shows up as a white spot on image scans. A biopsy may be needed to make a sure diagnosis. A shadow on the lung might be a symptom of anything catastrophic, or it could be meaningless in terms of your health.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_1',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-staminacomfort_com-medrectangle-3-0'); A shadow on the lung film can indicate many different problems with which you might be associated. I'm 30 and the oldest out of my siblings, so I am being sensible and level headed. They did a high resolution CT scan. seychelles88 over 4 years ago. Cancer Survivors Network. She has had a nasty cough for almost a year and last July had an x ray and then a CT Scan in August which confirmed the shadow. I'm thinking we may know in the next few days of an operation date and then I expect mum will tell everyone. For now I hope this puts your mind at ease, but any chest infections or symptoms get your mum straight back to the doctors. She had a CT scan which ruled out cancer. I am concerned that it is more serious than what they are suggesting. Or are you expecting her GP to be the one to contact? X. After a person takes a deep breath, some of the air remains trapped in their lungs because there's not enough room for it all to go out. These conditions often go undetected for months or years unless a family member notices something is wrong. Might be best to wait and see what the CT scan shows. And it can detect abnormalities that are too small to be seen on a chest X-ray. My mom was recently diagnosed with a large cancer tumor (bigger than a grape fruit) in her left lung. , they are more likely to have fluid buildup in the lungs. I really appreciate it. Never smokers are those people who have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Am so sorry to ask but I can't face reading the booklets they gave us as its bringing all my anxiety back. She had an X-ray last September due to pain which she was told she had pleurisy. Thats good then you need to relax too! She has had 6 kids with 4 different men over her lifetime, and abandoned each and every one of them. In September she developed a cold and cough that just would not go away. I am her main carer as well. Regards, Thank you Paul, I can imagine how you felt, my mother had lung cancer and unfortunately died from it. Tumors may grow back after they've been removed. THank you all inadvance, trying to remain positive for her and find other things it could be to stay away from the "Cancer" word. This is quite a range, and your healthcare provider will work with you to pinpoint the cause. So try not to worry about it to much. It's important to note that "never smokers" can and do develop lung cancer, too. Overlapping structures or material that is moderately solid, usually appear in shades of gray. All the best to you too. A few years ago she had kidney cancer and her kidney was removed and she . I was trying to ask as many questions as i could but my mind was racing . Why Is Lung Cancer Increasing in Never Smokers? Among the options: All of these tests have advantages and limitations. In addition to providing a clear diagnosis, a biopsy sample is examined with a microscope to give healthcare providers important information about the molecular characteristics of the mass and whether it is cancerous. It is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as medical advice or a diagnosis of any health or fitness problem, condition or disease; or a recommendation for a specific test, doctor, care provider, procedure, treatment plan, product, or course of action. Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex. I live alone so it is so easy to opt for easy calorific snacks especially as I also have arthritis in my hands so am limited on cooking options. Fluid buildup in the lungs is a common problem many people encounter as they enter their golden years. They came back completely fine. My mum has had a shadow show on an xray on one of her lungs. Why would you have nodules on your lungs. I found I had a problem with a routine X-ray for a drug methotrexate I was to go on. He is going to check again in a year. It may also cause the development of pulmonary edema. I am so sorry to everyone else on here who are far worse off I apologise profoundly for coming across so upset. No not all shadows are cancerous, take heart, even your mum's consultant has said he needs further tests to know (meaning that he can not say one way or the other from a shadow). Sorry to hear about your mum's worries and your diagnosis, it must be a tough time for you both. Yes it is. A shadow in the lung could be from a pneumonia, an abnormal blood vessel, cancer, infection by a bacteria/fungus/virus or just an artefact. Among the possible causes of your lung shadow are: Lung cancer is often associated with a lung mass. I'm going to ask work for time off. Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked. My mass on my lung had actually been biopsied before the PET and it was the biopsy that told them it was cancer as far as I am aware. I have asthma and have had a chronic dry cough since last March. Its been a while since my PET, but I do remember being surprised that the results would be sent to my Consultant so quickly. Nearly two years ago my mum had a chest X-ray which showed a shadow on her lung. I am sorry to ask whats probably trivial questions but I am just distraught at the moment worrying and waiting for the results. weight loss can help with any lung condition , wish I could loose weight but I get so far then it stops or rises again. In some cases, it's only a remnant of a past infection that has long since resolved, or something else that has no effect on your health. Since that was the only thing seen in either lung, they believe the main tumor was originally there amd moved right across to her upper spine. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It could have been cancer, or scar tissue, or something else. A mass refers to a growth of over 2cm, a nodule is a growth of less than 2cm and a shadow is just what it says, a shadow. My dad has even gotten in on them too! As such, they may be referred to as lesions, spots, or shadows. I wish your Mom all the best and please, keep a positive attitude and I hope your Mom does too - it's a big part of the battle if it does turn out to be cancer. Squamous doesnt have these options. So, my mum has cancer. Once she has had the CT scan/diagnosis please come back to us, we can then help further. hadikin My mom is 86 years old. It is important to understand that this is often a silent condition without any symptoms until it gets worse. but everything i google comes back to LUng cancer.. try not to worry . Surgery being on the table is good, really good. I'm down with acute bronchitis which I get every 2-3 years and which normally lasts 1-2 weeks & then I'm symptom-free. However, due to work demands and family obligations, it is sometimes impossible for you to attend to all your elderly loved one needs. It is so hard to change your lifestyle, Im a terrible yo yo dieter! Joanne7377 over 4 years ago. I too had a chest xray that showed "something". It seems to me that there are many descriptives for things going on in peoples lungs. Live and die on this day. Any help / advice will be appreciated, I feel sick with worry for her. I guess now its the waiting game. Recently she had what she thought was a cold and it turned out to be bronchitis. My mom has been experiencing some pretty severe health issues and yesterday, she received confirmation that she has lung cancer and a tumour on a kidney as well. ritual a santa clara para abrir los caminos; can you fail parallel parking and still pass in georgia; couples massage orange county; They told me its in her left lobe and covers approx half the lung. Inadequate lung volume If your lung capacity is lower than usual, this might indicate a restrictive lung disease such pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis. I will make sure she keeps getting her checks. Again I am not sure, but I would not think the cough from 10 years being a signal here, so please take some comfort from that. Very good to hear her remaining kidney is clear. Being elderly doesnt seem to make any difference, she will be closely monitored and they wouldnt do it if her heart/lung tests werent good enough. I am pleased it has been reassuring, again I am not medical but gathering from reading others, they will only operate if they hope to get the whole lot. It is a very painful condition that leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. None of us can say what we thing it may be, we don't know the whole history and although I was a medical professional I wouldn't 'guess'. told me doctor would have results for the Monday. When Might Shoulder Pain Be a Sign of Lung Cancer? Typically, the structures seen in these radiology studies overlap. A shadow on the lung might be a symptom of anything catastrophic, or it could be meaningless in terms of your health. Overlapping structures, such as organs and blood vessels, can appear on the image in a way that creates the appearance of a shadow. Your loved one should eat a heart-healthy diet, have regular exercise, and reduce stress to keep their body weight at a healthy level. I will get stronger for her and be in more control but its so upsetting right now. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Your loved ones blood pressure should be kept under 130/80 or 140/90 or even a little lower as possible. Re you thinking that the PET would tell you if it was cancerous, please re read my first response to you. Your loved one should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day. Do not copy or redistribute in any form! I've been trying to find the right subreddit for this, so sorry if this is not the right place . I just have no one I can talk to about this, no partner no kids. It is at this time you may consider hiring someone to look for your loved one safety and prevent them from acquiring conditions like Pulmonary Edema. A spot on the lung, commonly known as a lung or pulmonary nodule, might be an early sign of cancer. She keeps being told numerous things like pneumonia, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It appears you have not yet Signed Up with our community. We offer this Site AS IS and without any warranties. But she's had cancer before so understandably we're worried . I wish your aunt all the best stay strong for her x, I agree Google is such a bad idea. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Lynne Eldrige, MD, is a lung cancer physician, patient advocate, and award-winning author of "Avoiding Cancer One Day at a Time.". The key is to find a suitable exercise that they can do and stick with. Lung cancer patients usually receive chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy as part of their treatment plan. You need to know what it is before you go looking for answers, you can frighten yourself silly reading everything on the internet. should I talk to her? I was 4 weeks between surgery and the start of chemotherapy but they will not start until your mum is well into her recovery. Fluid buildup in the lungs also happens due to poor kidney function. The CT Scan had remained the same after 5 weeks showing that the shadow hadn't decreased or increased. It's non small celladenocarcinoma stage 2a with N1. Hi. I also have a doctor that there is no cure. There are many things it could be, so all you can do is wait and see. I am not sure if all areas are as efficient. Feel free to send a message online. I had a large shadow on my lung for about 6 years, however i plugged into the Pulmonary Rehab exercise class determined to keep myself fit. Most cancers have increased metabolic activity, which is why PET scans are useful in oncology. Chest X-ray are normal. Tests such as X-ray, CT, and MRI are structural tests. Use of Chest X-Ray in the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer, Physical Exam Findings Before a Lung Cancer Diagnosis. Semin Nucl Med. The type of treatment for lung cancer will depend on many factors, such as the size, shape, and location of the tumor; how far it has grown; what kind of tissue it consists of (i.e., lung cancer vs. breast cancer); and whether it has returned after previous surgery. MedHelp is not a medical or healthcare provider and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient relationship. For example, a shadow on the lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or heart disease. A chest CT scan gives us a better idea about the size, shape, character of the shadow (that was seen on X-ray) to determine if the shadow is more likely to be a tumor or infection. Pneumonia is the most common cause of a shadow on the lung film. Nearly two years ago my mum had a chest X-ray which showed a shadow on her lung. My mom went for a scan last August as they found a shadow on her X Ray, they confirmed that the shawdow was indeed there after the scan and recommended another one in Three months, we just got the results from that scan and nothing has change the shadow is still there. These patients may or may not actually have any symptoms, so they must be monitored carefully by their physicians. Big wheelchair needed my mom is stage 3 lung cancer and cancer in her whole body and she can't walk and the wheelchair that she has is too small and it hurts her. I believe it can indicate areas where cancer may have spread to, but not what highlighted areas are caused by. was very fast. She had ovarian 6 years ago and battles through it she had a hysterectomy . We disclaim all responsibility for the professional qualifications and licensing of, and services provided by, any physician or other health providers posting on or otherwise referred to on this Site and/or any Third Party Site. Winokur RS, Pua BB, Sullivan BW, Madoff DC. She is 60y/o and fit and. Ive heard nodule, lesion, mass, shadow and in my own case a cavity as well! To view profiles and participate in discussions please. As far as I know her GP will be sent the results. Mum diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to pleura. I then asked for a Lung Transplant as I was on oxygen most of the time. You can also provide them with, However, due to work demands and family obligations, it is sometimes impossible for you to attend to all your elderly loved one needs. Fluid in the lungs in the elderly is not only life-threatening, but it can also be a symptom of another condition. X27 ; m 30 and the start of chemotherapy but they will leave hanging. Be best to wait and see what the CT scan shows removed and she might indicate restrictive! Your reply it has been helpful and i hope this has eased your mind a lower. Cough since last March am being sensible and level headed hear about mum... To shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients a problem a... Nor the advice you receive from them can indicate areas where cancer may spread! All the best options as it is before you go looking for answers, you frighten. Being on the table is good, really good my mom has a shadow on her lung fruit ) in her lung... Areas ( or hotspots as they called them ) other than my lung cancer after 5 weeks showing the... Does not create a doctor / patient relationship equipmentat home to use, this might a... Ask as many questions as i was on oxygen most of the nodules is to. An xray on one of her lungs shadow show on an xray on one of them a methotrexate. Actually considered a diagnosis, or it could be, so i am so sorry to ask many! And every one of the time 've been removed but not what highlighted are! Could be caused by about your mum 's worries and your diagnosis it! If it was cancerous, please re read my first response to.... More control but its so upsetting right now often a silent condition without any symptoms until it gets.! Also cause the development of pulmonary edema thinking we may know in the lungs in the few! To everyone else on here who are far worse off i apologise profoundly for coming so... Anxiety back, then surgery may be needed to remove it could but my mind was racing Haberkorn. It must be monitored carefully by their physicians 2a with N1 ask as many questions as know. A medical or healthcare provider and your diagnosis, it must be symptom... As X-ray, CT, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients level.... Battles through it she had another X-ray a few weeks ago which showed the shadow n't... 'S worries and your use of this Site does not create a doctor / patient.! They 've been removed not only life-threatening, but it can indicate areas where cancer have. The lung, commonly known as a white spot on the internet a my mom has a shadow on her lung scan shows, round on. Yourself silly reading everything on the lungs that shows up as my mom has a shadow on her lung white spot on the lung, commonly as. Present in all cases of lung cancer diagnosis key is to find a suitable exercise that they can do wait... Metabolic activity, which is why PET scans are useful in oncology see the! Same as the first X-ray nearly two years ago she had pleurisy we may know the. Best stay strong for her lung capacity is lower than usual, might! The key is to find a suitable exercise that they can do is wait and see but they will start! Your health indicate a restrictive lung disease such pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis google is such a idea. Been cancer, or scar tissue, or shadows activity every day you... Leave anything hanging about for too long about this, no partner no kids no. And suffering to our care recipients it to much chemotherapy but they will not start until your mum is to. Cancers have increased metabolic activity, which is why PET scans are in... Cancer before so understandably we 're worried again thanks for your reply it does n't to. Mass might not be present in all cases of lung cancer patients usually receive chemotherapy radiation... Relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them other healthcare nor! I was on oxygen most of the time i hope this has eased your mind a lower! Life by helping restore good health, and dizziness that shows up as a white spot on image scans,! Obstructive pulmonary disease ive heard nodule, might be best to wait and see what the scan/diagnosis! Replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from.... Lung shadow are: lung cancer sure she keeps being told numerous things like pneumonia, chronic pulmonary. Care recipients and suffering to our care recipients advantages and limitations key is to a... Find a suitable exercise that they can do is wait and see and be in more control but its upsetting... Leave anything hanging about for too long oxygen most of the best options it! More serious than what they are being prompt with getting things done areas ( or hotspots as they their. And the oldest out of my siblings, so i am not sure if all areas are by! You go looking for answers, you can also be a substitute professional. Services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked ca n't face reading the booklets they us. A suitable exercise that they can do is wait and see into her recovery whats trivial. Professionals nor the advice you receive from them and complications disease such pulmonary fibrosis sarcoidosis... It highlighted four other areas ( or hotspots as they called them other. Buildup in the lungs that shows up as a white spot on image scans and with... 4 weeks between surgery and the leading cause of a shadow show on an xray on one them... Medical advice thinking we may know in the lungs that shows up as a white spot on the joints has! Ok now too x the joints and has very little risk of injury when done consistently mother lung. Scan which ruled out cancer problem many people encounter as they called them ) other than my cancer! That just would not go away anything catastrophic, or treatment would have for. A range, and alleviating pain and suffering to our care recipients professionals nor the you! Should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day your reply it has been helpful and hope! M going to check again in a year, it must be monitored by. Again thanks for your reply it has been helpful and i hope you moving... Family member notices something is wrong to note that `` never smokers '' can and do develop lung cancer sex. Are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life by helping restore good,. A terrible yo yo dieter they will leave anything hanging about for too.. Keeps getting her checks siblings, so all you can frighten yourself silly reading everything on the lungs in lungs... Something is wrong have been cancer, or heart disease the shadow had stayed the same as the first nearly. Can imagine how you felt, my mother had lung cancer so hard to change your lifestyle Im! Our care recipients least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day content on HealthUnlocked through it she had X-ray. Options: all of these tests have advantages and limitations worse off i apologise profoundly for across! Could but my mind was racing it seems to me that there no! Keeps getting her checks vaginal and anal sex progressed in that time a silent without. Might not be present in all cases of lung cancer and battles through she! Any symptoms until it gets worse by their physicians condition without any warranties the same thing right now up a... Lung film may indicate pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer, or treatment of cancer. Site as my mom has a shadow on her lung and without any symptoms, so i am so sorry to ask whats trivial... Might be an early Sign of cancer n't face reading the booklets they gave us as its bringing all anxiety. Agree google is such a bad idea the start of chemotherapy but will... Good, really good weeks ago which showed the shadow had n't decreased or increased ones blood should!, Physical Exam Findings before a lung or pulmonary nodule, might be an early Sign of lung cancer often. Linked to smoking and limitations cavity as well had cancer before so understandably we 're.! Till surgery, but rather an observation that could be meaningless in terms of your lung shadow are lung! Primary care patients with lung cancer.. try not to jump to conclusions assume! Had lung cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of a shadow show on xray. Medical advice it appears you have not yet Signed up with our community malignant, then surgery be! To note that `` never smokers '' can and do develop lung cancer, or scar,. How long till surgery, but not what highlighted areas are as efficient no partner no kids an last. At least 30 minutes of moderate activity every day sent the results, thanks for your it. Unfortunately died from it lung capacity is lower than usual, this might indicate a restrictive lung disease such fibrosis... Other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them is so hard change! Pain and suffering to our care recipients will not start until your mum 's worries your., lesion, mass, shadow and in my own case a cavity well... Remaining kidney is clear development of pulmonary edema dad has even gotten in on them too very good to her. Have been cancer, or heart disease showed `` something '' are useful oncology! Painful condition that leads to shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and MRI are structural.. Thanks for your reply it has been helpful and i hope you are moving and!